Early Civilizations of the Middle East

The Sumerians ( B.C.)

The Sumerians: Government City-States  Controlled surrounding farm land.

The Sumerians: Religion Religion  Polytheistic. Priest very powerful. Collected taxes, made offerings to gods, and taught at schools. Large temples called Ziggurats.

The Sumerians: Major Achievements Cuneiform  Language using pictures and symbols to represent objects and ideas. First known people to use the wheel, sails, and the plow. Used geometry to survey fields. Created 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, and 360 degrees in a circle.

Babylonians ( B.C.)

Babylonians: Hammurabi’s Law Code Consisted of 282 laws. Differentiated between major and minor crimes. “Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.” Carved into stone for all to see.

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Hittites ( B.C.)

Hittites Conquered area of Mesopotamia and adopted many of the cultural beliefs. Took some of the beliefs back to Asia Minor, which would influence the Greeks. Known for iron making, which allowed them to conquer and maintain control.

Phoenicians ( B.C.)

Phoenicians Created small city-states along the Mediterranean. Survived off of commerce and trade. Known as “Carriers of Civilization.” Developed the alphabet.

Persian Empire ( B.C.)

The Persian Government Efficient system. Divided empire into 20 provinces, with a Governor for each province. Allowed the people to keep their own language and religion. Why?

Persian Achievements Improved roadway and message system with horses. Uniform system of coinage for trade. Why?

Greek/Macedonian Empire ( B.C)

Greek/Macedonian Empire Alexander the Great conquered vast area. Hellenistic Civilization  Blending of Greek and Middle Eastern Cultures.

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Roman Empire

Roman Conquest Trade flourished and cultures continued to blend. Rise of Christianity.

Byzantine Empire ( A.D.)

Byzantine Empire Roman Empire split and the eastern part became the Byzantine Empire. Ruled over Northern part of Middle East for around 1,000 years from Constantinople.